Album Stream: Butch Walker - The Spade

Butch Walker’s name can be found in the credits of countless CD jackets. While he writes hits for chart topping artists, his own brand of witty pop music has never followed the traditional Billboard formula.

He started out in various glam bands and although his music went through an evident evolution, after listening to his lyrics it’s clear he never really left the ‘80s roots behind. Walker’s past albums have consistently contained social commentary and infectious choruses. The man can concoct a hook.

His latest record, The Spade, is his first record since he signed with Dangerbird Records, and it pulls pieces from his ‘80s nostalgia while continuing to jab at the conformists with songs like “Synthesizers” and “The Summer of 89.” The Spade is a blend of the alt-country flair he channeled in his past albums and the snarky pop hooks he seems to feel more at home with.

Listen to The Spade, available in stores on August 30, in the Rdio player below all this week.